Can multiple embodiments be included in a single design reissue application?

The inclusion of multiple embodiments in a single design reissue application is generally not permitted. As stated in MPEP 1457:

“A design reissue application may not contain more than one embodiment (plural embodiments are not permitted in a design application).”

This restriction is important because:

  • Each design patent should protect a single, distinct design
  • Multiple embodiments could lead to confusion about the scope of protection
  • It ensures consistency with the original design patent practice

If an applicant wishes to protect multiple embodiments, they would typically need to file separate design reissue applications for each distinct design.

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Tags: design patent, design reissue, multiple embodiments, single design